How to Make Fall Fig Balsamic Olive Oil Cake

Nov 29, 2025

Nothing embodies the cozy warmth of fall quite like a rich, aromatic cake brimming with seasonal flavors. Imagine a cake infused with the tangy depth of fig balsamic vinegar and the smooth, luscious notes of butter-flavored olive oil. This is exactly what husband-and-wife duo Greg and Shirley Mueller, founders of Divine Olive Oils, have perfected in their Fall Fig Balsamic Olive Oil Cake. This recipe is a delightful fusion of high-quality ingredients and innovative culinary techniques, making it a must-try for anyone who cherishes cooking as much as they do eating.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key steps and secrets to making this show-stopping dessert. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying scratch baking for the first time, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Plus, you’ll learn a few tricks for working with olive oils and balsamic vinegars in baking.

Why Choose Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar in Desserts?

Baking with olive oil might sound unconventional, but it offers several benefits:

Moisture and Texture: Olive oil adds a moist, tender crumb to cakes without the heaviness of butter.
Healthier Fats: Olive oil is a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making it a better alternative to traditional fats.
Flavor Boost: When paired with the right ingredients, olive oil enhances flavors without overpowering them.

Balsamic vinegar, on the other hand, brings a layer of complexity. Its natural sweetness balances its acidity, and when reduced, it transforms into a syrupy glaze perfect for enhancing desserts with a tangy-sweet finish.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Fig Balsamic Olive Oil Cake

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Dry Ingredients:

All-purpose flour
Almond flour (adds a nutty richness)
Baking powder
Baking soda
Kosher salt

Wet Ingredients:

Granulated sugar
Lemon zest (for brightness)
Butter-flavored olive oil
Fig balsamic vinegar
Eggs
Sour cream (for extra moisture)

For the Reduction:

Fig balsamic vinegar
Confectioners’ sugar
Whole milk

Optional Garnish: Thinly sliced grapes or fresh figs, and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar

Step 1: Prepping the Dry Ingredients

Begin by sifting the dry ingredients together. Almond flour, in particular, gives this cake a unique texture and flavor profile, while baking powder and soda ensure it rises beautifully.

Pro Tip: If you’ve never worked with almond flour before, note that it’s finer than all-purpose flour and can settle. Sifting prevents clumps and ensures an even distribution.

Step 2: Infusing the Sugar with Lemon Zest

Combine granulated sugar with freshly grated lemon zest. This step is key to infusing the sugar with a bright, citrusy aroma that complements the fig balsamic vinegar.

Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the butter-flavored olive oil, fig balsamic vinegar, eggs, and sour cream. The olive oil adds a silky texture, while the fig balsamic provides a subtle tangy depth.

Fun Fact: This was Shirley’s first attempt at a scratch-made cake, and the combination of olive oil and balsamic vinegar worked so well that it became a signature recipe.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this could yield a dense cake. Once combined, pour the batter into a greased and floured pan.

Greasing Tip: Instead of butter, coat your pan with butter-flavored olive oil for added depth of flavor.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The result? A golden-brown, fragrant cake with a moist, tender crumb.

Step 6: Making the Fig Balsamic Reduction

While the cake bakes, create the glaze. Heat fig balsamic vinegar, adding confectioners’ sugar and whole milk gradually. Stir constantly over medium-low heat to prevent clumping and avoid boiling, as overheating can cause the glaze to harden once cooled.

Texture Tip: The reduction should be syrupy but pourable. Aim for a consistency that clings to a spoon without dripping too quickly.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once cooled, poke small holes into the cake with the end of a wooden spoon. Pour the balsamic reduction over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes for added flavor. Garnish with thinly sliced grapes or fresh figs, and dust with confectioners’ sugar for a final flourish.

The Ultimate Flavor Experience

What makes this cake transformative is the interplay of flavors. The richness of the olive oil, the tangy complexity of the fig balsamic, and the fresh, juicy sweetness of the grapes create a harmonious dessert that’s indulgent yet sophisticated. It's the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors, all brought together with a moist, tender texture.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Fall

This cake epitomizes autumn with its rich, warm flavors. The fig balsamic glaze adds a seasonal twist, while the use of almond flour evokes the nuttiness often associated with fall recipes. Serve it at your next gathering, and it’s bound to be the star of the table - whether paired with coffee for breakfast or as the grand finale to a dinner party.

Key Takeaways

Olive Oil Benefits: Baking with olive oil creates a moist, tender crumb while offering a healthier alternative to butter.
Balancing Flavors: Fig balsamic vinegar brings sweet and tangy notes that perfectly complement the richness of olive oil and almond flour.
Sour Cream Secret: Adding sour cream ensures a moist, luscious texture.
Garnish with Style: Thinly sliced grapes or figs not only add visual appeal but also enhance the cake’s flavor profile.
Reduction Precision: Heat the balsamic reduction slowly to avoid hardening and achieve a smooth, syrupy glaze.
Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake transitions seamlessly from breakfast indulgence to elegant dessert.

A Cake That Inspires

The Fall Fig Balsamic Olive Oil Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a testament to creativity in the kitchen. Greg and Shirley Mueller’s recipe showcases how premium-quality ingredients - like olive oil and balsamic vinegar - can elevate a humble cake into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this recipe offers an opportunity to experiment with new flavors and techniques, all while indulging in the cozy tastes of fall.

So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. You might just discover your new favorite cake.

Source: "Love & Best Dishes: Fall Fig Balsamic Cake Recipe | Fall Desserts to Bake" - Paula Deen, YouTube, Nov 8, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEz5GrPNYBY